Disclaimer: All of the characters and world recognised below belong to the author. I do not own any of it, this is pure entertainment.

A/N: A bit of a warning for this chapter, it is M rated!

And the Fire Bright

Chapter 1: What Else That I Would Give

But I don't know what else that I would give

Than try to kiss the skin that crawls from you

Then feel your weight in arms I'd never use

It's the god that heroin prays to

To Be Alone - Hozier

'Quickly - here.' Fred said as he pulled himself and Hermione behind a large tree on the edge of the property of the Burrow. She hugged him close, relishing in the feeling of him. It had been a week since she had seen him, busy with her school work and wedding planning, whilst Fred and George had been developing products for Weasley Wizards Wheezes.

'I thought we would never get away.' She laughed as Fred put up some privacy charms. She knew from Harry that the Burrow could be chaotic and crowded, but with Bill now moved back to England, it seemed to be teeming with activity. Hermione spent most of her life being an only child, and The Den was mostly calm, she was not used to a large number of people, let alone the lack of privacy afforded by the Weasley matriarch. Fred trailed his hands over her arms, making her shiver.

'Finally.' He whispered, looking into her eyes, she could get lost in his dark blue eyes, 'Hi.'

'Hi.' She whispered as he leant down, lips on hers. He kissed her softly, his fingertips cupping her face lightly. She would never get over how right he felt against her. It always felt like the first time they kissed. Perfect. She wove her fingers in his shocking red hair, relishing in the feel of the silky hair, bringing him closer. The kissing became more passionate, almost frenzied in anticipation and she found herself backed against the tree, truly making them hidden from the house or anyone out in the yard. She smiled against his lips, using the tree as leverage to wrap her legs around his waist. He moaned against her as his hands came to her legs to assist her up, holding her in place as she wrapped her hands more securely around. They broke apart and his forehead rested against hers.

'I thought you wanted to work on meditating for your animagus training.' She rolled her eyes as she brought a hand to his hair, kissing him again.

'We can stop if you want.'

'Nevermind.' He muttered and kissed her again. She had missed him, it had been hard not being able to see each other every day like Hogwarts. She felt his desire for her, which exhilarated her but also scared her. Sensing the change, Fred began to slow the intensity of his kisses, Hermione found herself catching her breath, not being particularly concerned with breathing while they were together. Fred rested his head on her shoulder.

'How far have you gotten with it?' He asked and she looked at him in confusion before realising that he was talking about becoming an animagus. She sighed, allowing herself down from the position she was in - the tree was hard on her back - and sat, pulling Fred down to sit next to her. He put his arm around her shoulder.

'Not far - we are still working on the meditating thing which I'm not the best at.' She picked the grass in a frustrated manner. Harry was better at meditating than she was; she was unable to stop her thoughts from racing around her head and hated to focus on her breathing, it made her feel panicked and sensitive to every single sensation. Fred chuckled.

'Finally, something Hermione Lupin-Black isn't good at - alert the Daily Prophet.' He said and she shoved him playfully, sticking out her tongue. It was still unusual to hear herself not referred to as Hermione Granger, but she was grateful that it was being practised before Hogwarts. He nuzzled into her shoulder. 'Look, I'm not the best at mediating either 'Mione, so I know that your big brain of yours is angry and frustrated at yourself, don't be, it's actually furthering you from your goal. You just need to practice and I have all the faith that you'll get there.' She took his hand in hers and smiled gratefully.

'Thanks, Fred.'

'We could try and meditate together if you want - if you think it may help?' She looked at him this time and was met with a concerned, but uplifting gaze. She smiled, he was so helpful and knew exactly what to do.

'That would be lovely, thank you.' Fred shifted away to get into a comfortable position. 'Not now Fred.' she chuckled, pulling him closer. 'I just want to be with you right now.' She leant forward to kiss him again softly, leaning against him.

'Fred - Hermione.' They heard from the distance and she could hear Fred sigh from above her.

'If we hide here, maybe they will not be able to find us.' She suggested hopefully, snuggling in closer and putting a kiss to his jaw.

'Fred - I'm coming out here as a courtesy! Mum said to get back to the house. She's going to come out next.' Fred groaned and Hermione blanched at the thought of what Molly Weasley was assuming they were doing.

'We were barely out here for ten minutes.' she muttered as she was helped up by Fred. Even at Hogwarts, where they were constantly surrounded by students, they got more privacy than this.

'I expected better from George - my own twin betrayed me.' He put his arm around her and they made their way back towards the house. Despite the fact that it was summer, she felt a chill.

'Fred - is that ice?' she asked, and despite the normal happiness she felt in Fred's arms, she felt drained of all joyous emotion. Then she heard a scream.

'What are we doing here?' Harry asked as they exited the floo network, Hermione looked over the clean, but the somehow dreary location that Sirius and Remus said was Grimmauld Place - Sirius' childhood home. Whilst it looked grand and expensive, it also looked cold and inhospitable. She could not imagine children in this place and understood why Sirius resented his childhood. It did not feel homely or like a place someone would want to return to.

'Well I gave this place as Headquarters for the Order of the Phoenix, as it, like all Black properties, is heavily warded and unplottable. The Weasleys are staying here for the summer as well, as a proper investigation goes underway to why Dementors were released onto their property. So we figured… whilst we have meetings, you both could keep them company.' Sirius explained, looking wearily about the place. He had told Harry and Hermione that he had Winky and Kreacher (his family house-elf) had cleaned the house up a lot, repainting and getting rid of dark objects, however, it still had an eeriness that was unsettling.

'Can we join the meetings?' Hermione asked hopefully; she always liked being in the know and was interested in what Dumbledore was up to. She did not trust him, not after the Triwizard Tournament, but like Sirius and Remus had explained after Dementors tore up the Burrow, even though the Ministry of Magic acknowledged that Voldemort was back, they were still corrupt, working with Dumbledore, no matter how sceptically, may have been the only option. Remus sighed.

'No - unfortunately you're both too young to join and Molly Weasley is having a fit that you're even around in a meeting, let alone would let you in it.' Hermione was about to interrupt, Molly Weasley was not her mother and therefore could not make rules for her, 'I know what you're thinking 'Mione but it's more for her own children than you. But I promise that Pads and I will tell you all you need to know. We're not going to leave you in the dark.' Hermione looked at Harry who shrugged before looking at Sirius, with eyes that she had recently learnt helped her get away with all sorts of mischief. He sighed.

'We promise kitten, we'll tell you everything you need to know.' He said and she sighed.

'Fine.'

'She's definitely your daughter Pads.' Remus laughed and Hermione glared at him. He patted her hair affectionately. She suddenly heard a pop.

'Mione!' She was suddenly wrapped up in two sets of strong arms, familiar in a homey way.

'Honestly, Fred, George, now that you have your apparition license you can't just pop anywhere!' Molly Weasley's voice chided. 'Hello Sirius, Remus, Harry - you've come just in time.' Hermione was released to see Molly smiling at them, much more relaxed and calm than the last time she saw them, which was after Remus, Arthur and Bill sent off the Dementors. 'Hello Hermione,' she said warmly. Hermione smiled at the Weasley matriarch. 'Boys, why don't you take Hermione and Harry upstairs to see Ron and Ginny. And stay up there until Bill comes to get you for dinner.'

'Yes, mum.' George grabbed Hermione, much to the dismay of Fred and hauled her up the stairs; the others behind them. 'Mum hates it when there's a meeting. Tries to stop us all the time and keep us busy - basically begged Sirius and Remus to get you lot here to keep us distracted.'

'Tried going to Dumbledore and asked to join. He said we're too young,' Fred put his hands up in quotation marks to mark his point, 'said we should wait until we graduate. Feels like last year all over again.'

'Considering how the Triwizard Tournament went, perhaps that's a good thing?' Harry shrugged. 'I mean I almost died.'

'Our dear 'Mione's rubbing off on you Harry - so logical now!' George teased and Hermione rolled her eyes. She could understand the twins' frustration at not being allowed into the Order, they were of age after all and adults in the wizarding world, however, she was also secretly glad. She wanted them to focus on their N.E.W.T.S this year and graduate Hogwarts, she wanted them to enjoy being young before they faced the atrocities of war.

They made their way to the top of the stairs. 'This place is surprisingly large.' Fred said, changing the subject after an uncomfortable silence, 'Heaps of rooms for us all - we found Sirius' room and another entitled RAB, but Winky had permanently locked those from us.' Hermione and Harry exchanged uneasy glances; Sirius had told Harry about Regulus and was beginning to open up a bit about him. It helped when dealing with Kreacher, who was at The Den for the current time. She could see Sirius try to be nicer to the elf but also knew that there was a lot of hurt there that perhaps could never be forgotten.

They entered the room just off the stairs to see Ron and Ginny sitting on a bed. Before she was able to take in the rest of the room, she was blinded by a sea of red hair, Ginny's thin, but surprisingly strong, arms squeezing her around her neck.

'Oh 'Mione I'm so glad you're here. They're all driving me mental. Fred especially.'

'Hey,' the accused twin exclaimed exhaustedly.

'Oh 'Mione! I miss Hermione so much. Has 'Mione's letter arrived yet today?' Ron teased in a high pitched voice, smiling smugly as Fred turned red. Hermione giggled, patting her boyfriend's hand comfortingly.

'It's sweet that you missed me.'

'It's sickening if you ask me.' Ginny said. Fred muttered, 'I didn't,' under his breath. 'I'm dying for some girl time.' Hermione squeezed the younger girl's hand, wanting also to use this opportunity to catch up. They had also exchanged some letters over the summer, where Ginny had discussed that she was also writing to Neville, and was interested in the developments of that relationship. She liked the thought of her and Neville together, the red-head could encourage him to get out of his shell whilst Neville was a great grounding force for Ginny.

'Well, what's been happening here?' Harry asked, 'The Order and meetings - did you see who was in attendance?'

'There haven't been many meetings,' Ron said. 'And despite trying to use Fred and George's Extendable Ears, we haven't been able to find out anything interesting. They're warding the room.'

'Look the Extendable Ears are still in a trial period - we're working on a way for it to break through minor wards and privacy spells.' George said hotly.

'We want to ask Bill - he's an expert in curse breaking and would know where to start but mum barely lets us out of her sight.' Fred added, exasperatedly.

'Reckons we're up to something.'

'Don't know why she thinks that.' Hermione chucked, Mrs Weasley's instincts were usually correct when it came to Fred and George, as much as she loved them, they were always up to something.

'I don't see why she would be worried at all,' she teased, nudging Fred lightly.

'Speaking of being up to something - I'm going to test out the improvements to these.' George pulled the extendable ears out of his pocket. 'Harry, come see how they work. C'mon Gin, Ron, let's go!' Ron and Ginny begrudgingly followed George out into the corridor, leaving Hermione and Fred. She blushed and played with her sleeve nervously. Every time she saw Fred, she did not know how to react, insecurities setting in from the absence. He beckoned her over wordlessly and she sat on the bed beside him, placing her hand out. He took it in his own and she breathed a sigh of relief, smiling at him. He still likes me.

'So, product creating is going well then?' She asked. He had told her that living in Grimmauld Place and being left out of important conversations had inspired the product, but she also knew that this summer, the Weasley twins were ramping up production of their other products to get ready for leaving Hogwarts next year.

'Yes, we're almost at testing stages for our puking pastilles and fainting fancies - we want to add them to a get out of class range: Skiving Snackboxes.' Fred looked super excited that Hermione could find it within her to be angry or tell him off. She did not agree with all the Weasley products and their pranks, and especially did not want them to encourage Hogwarts students to skip class, however, she could not deny that the products came in handy. They came with good intentions.

'That's great,' she said. 'I'm proud of you - really. You and George are working so hard on your product and towards getting your shop.' She missed the slightly guilty look that flashed on Fred's face.

'Well, your genius suggestions do help.' He said, shuffling closer. She leaned her head on his shoulder, missing when they could just be together, without interruption. Fred stroked her hair and she felt herself relaxing. Not that her holidays had been particularly stressful, in fact, it was great. Within the first week, she and Harry had finished their homework, and then they spent the rest of the time training. Sirius and Remus organised family running and combat classes and Sirius trained them (with the help of Tonks) in Auror style training before they would spend the night reading or playing a board game together. It was tiring, but it was necessary with Voldemort back.

She looked up at Fred, wanting to kiss him. From his expression, she knew that the feeling was mutual. They slowly came together, lips nearly touching when a loud pop went off.

'If mum asks, we were here the entire time.' George said hurriedly as Ron, Harry and Ginny burst through the door.

It was a warm sunny day in Diagon Alley and Fred and Hermione were strolling down the street, holding hands. Hermione had a smile on her face, a slight blush gracing her cheeks. He thought she looked adorable. He was still astounded how much she looked the same - besides her longer, curlier hair that framed her face. He missed how bushy it could get but it had not been humid enough to cause friz. She revealed that it was much better to manage despite it's length. He thought she was beautiful.

Diagon Alley was unusually calm. It was a huge change from the usual hustle and bustle usually encountered with the back to school rush. He quite enjoyed the quieter street, and he especially enjoyed the alone time with Hermione Lupin-Black. Ever since the Weasley family had moved into Grimmauld Place, although they could spend more time together, Fred and Hermione barely had any alone time. He was starting to think that it was no longer accidental.

'Just ask her out Fred, that way you have time alone.' George said after he complained, rolling his eyes. It should have been a simple solution, after all, George was able to disappear to Angelina's when he needed space and Fred was almost jealous. Until he realised he did not have to be. So he asked Hermione if she wanted to spend the day at Diagon Alley with him and she agreed. It took little convincing to get Sirius and Remus on board, especially since Fred was considered an adult in the wizarding world and was quite skilled with his wand. It was, unsurprisingly, his mother who was the bigger challenge, skittish since the attack on their home. However, he did not take no for an answer, reiterating that a public place, like Diagon Alley would really be the safest place.

'Thank you for suggesting this Fred,' Hermione said, 'It's nice to have some time alone.'

'Anything to leave Grimmauld Place - I don't know how Sirius grew up there.' Hermione shrugged at that and he felt as though he perhaps put his foot in it. Despite both his paternal and maternal grandmothers being Blacks themselves, he did not know that much of Sirius' family, just that they were not great. 'Sorry, I shouldn't have said anything - I know he didn't have a great childhood.'

'No, you're right. He definitely doesn't have good memories of that place, it's hard for him to be there but I think having all you there actually is good for him. He's making new memories.' She squeezed his hand and looked out with her brown eyes from under her lashes, the look made him stir and she looked irresistible to him. Merlin, I love her.

'Do you want to get some ice cream?' she asked, surprisingly as he knew she did not have a sweet tooth but she knew he did. Blame his mother's exceptional cooking. He nodded and they headed to Florian Fortescues Ice Cream Shop. On the way, he saw an empty shop, small, but he felt the feeling in his gut - similar to when he and George created a new product or when he saw Hermione - it felt right. This is our shop. At that moment he felt so happy, free and content, his dream was coming one step closer, thanks to the empty shop and the Triwizard Tournament earnings that Cedric Diggory and Harry had given to him. Then his stomach turned, guilt poisoning any excitement he felt. He had not told Hermione about the prize money. He was not sure why he didn't, he knew Hermione would not judge him on his financial situation and believed in his dream. But he was hesitant. Hermione now an heiress, the entire Black fortune at her beck and call, he knew she had always been fairly wealthy, but now it seemed so much more stark. He did not want to have her need to support him for his life and having her brother lend him more money than he could ever dream of was embarrassing. Harry did not want a big deal out of it either, wanting to be a silent partner in Weasleys Wizards Wheezes. But he knew he needed to tell Hermione, he didn't like keeping secrets and past experiences taught him that she valued honesty and loyalty, he felt sick that he was keeping something from her.

'Fred, what flavour do you want?' she asked as he realised they were outside of Fortescues. His stomach turned again and he realised that he did not want ice cream anymore. But Hermione was looking at him with those big brown eyes and he melted.

'Um, sticky date?' He asked, addressing Florian Fortescue himself and linking his hands with Hermione's once more. She ordered herself vanilla and pulled out a purse to pay. He stammered.

'I can get it.'

'It's my treat, Fred.' She smiled, handing some sickles to Florian. He blushed red, not wanting to feel embarrassed because his girlfriend had to pay for ice cream, but he couldn't help the flush of shame. He wanted that to change, he wanted to be able to provide for her as well, he wanted to be able to pay for dates and make her feel special, buy her nice gifts, actual sunflowers. He shook it off as they grabbed their ice creams and continued to walk down the alley when they heard a familiar voice.

'Fred, Hermione!' They turned to see Lee Jordan, Katie Bell and Alicia Spinnet walking towards them. Fred turned to Hermione, seeing the resigned look on her face, and feeling it himself, not that they wouldn't be happy to see their friends, but, because this was the third time their alone time was interrupted.

'C'mon Fred,' Hermione dragged him through the floo. The Den was empty, Harry, Sirius and Remus were all at Grimmauld Place because of the Order meeting that was taking place. She was unsure that she was breaking any rules by heading back home, considering they were only going to the other place to keep the Weasleys company.

'I like this new sneaky Hermione,' Fred smirked as she led him to her room. She turned to him and shut the door, leaning against it heaving. This was not planned, however, it had become clear to both of them that they were not getting any alone time this summer and Hermione needed it. She did not like huge public displays of affection and that was respected, but it was getting to the point that Fred and Hermione could barely kiss before their alone time was interrupted, almost as though it was all planned. They only talked through letters and she was getting frustrated. Fred equally so, as he looked at her with dark sapphire eyes, it was a look that she had come to equate with desire, he wanted her. She liked it when she could make him feel that way. There was little talking as they kissed, mouths colliding sloppily, a sense of urgency and panic and passion, knowing that it wouldn't be long before someone would find out that they were missing. She wasn't going to lose her head, Fred knew she wasn't ready for anything too physical but she wanted him to touch her again. Make her feel wanted. She pushed him back onto her bed before straddling him, feeling his hardness beneath her thighs and a shrill of excitement ran through her, warming her core. Lips on his, she revelled in the way his hands roamed her back, going under her shirt, having that skin on skin contact, she wanted more. She fisted his red hair in hers before running them down his back, lifting his shirt.

'Shirt?' Was all she was about to get out before he broke their kiss, smiled and helped her remove his shirt. She ran her hands down his front, admiring him. He was all hard planes and muscles, but it was a familiar sight to her as he rarely slept in a shirt. She bit her lip approvingly, he looked better every time. He looked at her hotly,

'Can I?' he gestured to her t-shirt and she nodded, kissing him. It was a new development, actually taking off clothing, but to Hermione, it felt right. It had been too long since they could be like this. Fred, slowly and carefully lifted her shirt until she was left in her bra. His eyes darkened as they took her in and she resisted the urge to cover up.

'Is this alright?' Fred asked, looking at her intently, he gestured to the position and his hands by her hips, trying to gage her sudden shyness, and Hermione nodded and smiled.

'Yeah.' She ran her hand down his chest again.

'Can I touch you?' he asked, gesturing to her heaving chest. She blushed and nodded. He looked at her. 'I can see it in your eyes but I need the words 'Mione.' She felt herself blush more before stammering a 'Yes.' Fred kissed her once more, bringing her closer. She felt Fred's lips make their ways from hers down her neck, the sensation making her gasp before he placed a small kiss on the curve of her left breast, just atop of her bra, his hand lightly cupping the right, rubbing the nipple through her bra. She felt her breath hitch in her throat at the sensation and he switched. He kissed her again, more frantically than before.

'You're so beautiful Hermione.' He whispered against her lips, rocking against her. She let out a moan, only slightly embarrassed until she heard his small groan, taking the opportunity to kiss the juncture of his neck and shoulder. She nuzzled there softly as they sought some friction, sending jolts of pleasure throughout her body. This was crossing the line, further than they had gone before but she was not ready for it to stop. Her lips found his again as the pace slowed and they brought their foreheads together, taking it all in.

'If we don't slow it down now, I'm going to find it very difficult to stop.' He said. Hermione blushed and went to move back but he kept her close. 'I didn't mean for you to go away but you underestimate how much I want you and that I'm still just a seventeen-year-old wizard.'

'I'm not going to slow for you am I?' She asked nervously. She wanted him too. Especially since he made her feel so good and she knew Fred would never hurt her, but she also knew that they were still new in their relationship and she was not emotionally ready, even though she loved him.

'Of course not 'Mione, I told you - I will go at whatever pace you're comfortable at. This feels good. There's no rush. I just want to be with you.' He said softly, kissing her with equal reverence as his words. She hugged him tightly before kissing him more passionately. Then they heard a loud bang, Hermione let out a short scream before they saw Winky, who had put her small hands over her eyes.

'Miss 'Mione, Mister Sirius demands you and Mister Weasley come back to Grimmauld Place.' Winky said before disappearing. Fred groaned.

'Fuck.' He said as he stopped his head on her shoulder. Hermione's cheeks went warm. They were caught.

'So how did you manage to convince your dads to let me go out with you again?' Fred asked her as they sat in Trafalgar Square. It was Harry's idea actually, to take Fred out into muggle London, they were in a public place, yet nobody knew them and they could have some privacy. It was also very exciting for Fred to be shown around, having grown up entirely in the Wizarding World.

'Sirius and Remus are going to give us the talk.' Hermione groaned, remembering how embarrassing it was to return back to Grimmauld Place to see an angry Mrs Weasley, a stern Minerva, as well as an amused, but slightly angry Remus and Sirius. Harry, Ron, Ginny and George laughing in the background was also mortifying. Hermione was only glad that the other Order members went home. The last thing she needed was Professor Snape or Professor Dumbledore knowing she disappeared to make out with her boyfriend. Sirius and Remus were not too mad at the fact that they were making out, but more because they had disappeared without permission. They were sympathetic to her assertions that she needed some alone time with Fred as they had barely been able to have a date or even ten minutes to themselves. But they said she and Harry both needed the talk, organising it for next week so Hermione and Harry had time to think of questions they wanted to ask. She was not sure who it was going to be more embarrassing for - herself and Harry or Sirius and Remus. 'How about you?'

Fred put his arm around her shoulders, 'Mum was upset but she knows she isn't really in a position to do anything because we're of age. She got dad to give me and George the talk again, which was just embarrassing for him. But she threatened me, saying we both needed to finish Hogwarts before children, which is hypocritical considering she and dad married straight after graduation and Bill came five months later.' It was more information than Hermione needed to know about the couple but it explained Mrs Weasley's conservative points of views, especially towards women and intimacy. He kissed her lightly, 'But the point is that we're together - finally.'

They walked slowly around London; Fred was content to just watch all the muggles and did not really care that they did not have a destination in mind. Obviously, Arthur Weasley's enthusiasm for muggles was inherited by her boyfriend as he displayed a look of wonder when he saw someone use a mobile phone 'What is the long, thin wand coming out if it?' And would jump in excitement when he saw cars. Hermione found it endearing. She was grateful to not only spend some time together but also to be able to show him a part of her world. It was all going well until they stopped at a cafe for lunch. Hermione had been here with her parents once or twice, on the rare occasion when they actually came to the city. Sitting as a table in the centre of the cafe was Narcissa and Draco Malfoy. They were dressed in muggle clothes but it was almost business wear. Narcissa was in a matching blazer jacket and skirt whilst Draco wore a shirt and pants. She stopped, startled at them being at the muggle world alone, let alone the singular cafe Hermione knew in the city. She knew why; they were pariah's in the wizarding world since Lucius Malfoy was arrested, hounded by the press and not allowed in their own home. Sirius has offered them a Black property but Narcissa had decided to stay with her sister for the time being. Hermione knew, from overhearing Sirius, that Narcissa had renounced Lucius whilst he was still an active Death Eater and was trying to do all she could to protect Draco, and she imagined that not only would the muggle world give her anonymity, but also provided an opportunity to educate Draco against the prejudices his father had taught him. She wanted to turn around, but Narcissa Malfoy caught her eye and waved. She sighed, muttering a 'Sorry,' to Fred. He chuckled softly.

'It seems that fate is against us.' She was glad he was not too upset. It was something she did like about Fred, he did not get too caught up in the small things, but he was passionate about situations and people he cared about.

'Hello Narcissa, Draco. Lovely to see you.' Her mother raised her to be polite. Narcissa got up and kissed Hermione on both cheeks, an act she was familiar with from her French relatives. She waved awkwardly at Draco. 'You remember Fred Weasley.'

'Yes, lovely to meet you again. What brings you to London?' she asked, making small talk.

'I've just been showing Fred around as we got hungry, this was a cafe I used to go to with my parents.' Narcissa smiled graciously, Hermione was envious of her education in being ladylike.

'Ah yes, Draco and I just sat down not five minutes ago and are looking at the menu. Please join us, I'm sure you would be able to recommend something we would enjoy.' Hermione shared a wary glance at Fred, secretly wishing either one of them could use an excuse to say no, but her mother, not to mention Minerva, would be ashamed at her for doing so. Fred shrugged.

'Thank you, Mrs Malfoy, it would be our honour.' He helped Hermione into her chair, like the gentleman he is and sat down. This was definitely not the alone time she imagined with Fred.

Sirius hated Grimmauld Place. It looked different, yes; cleaner, brighter, but somehow just as gloomy, dark and depressing as it was before Winky and Kreacher fixed it. He shivered when he saw the long hallway, his mind replacing the bare walls with the severed heads of house elves and portraits of his twisted and dark family members. He could almost hear the sound of his mother's yelling - well when the portrait she left behind was not actually yelling.

It was the reason they lived in The Den, it was warm, homely, safe in comparison to the new headquarters of the Order of the Phoenix. Sirius hated being back here, itching to get out as soon as the meetings ended, away from the memories of being bashed bloody, of the agony of the cruciatus curse, the fear in Regulus' eyes. He felt terrible when Dumbledore suggested the Weasleys stay there until the Burrow was given adequate protections, not wanting them to know, to see how Sirius was raised, not wishing that trauma on them. He was more than willing to have the family live with them at The Den but Dumbledore insisted and Arthur and Molly listened. With Hermione and Harry's close connection with the family, he knew they would have to work on ensuring the Weasley family did not become wasted pawns in Dumbledore's plan.

But thankfully, the Weasley family were able to go home which meant Grimmauld Place became headquarters only and they only had to spend a couple of hours a week there. They were just figuring out that Voldemort was after a prophecy in the Ministry of Magic but was unable due to his status as desirable number one. Anyone who was anyone was after him, and losing some of his influential followers who could hide him, such as Lucius Malfoy, meant that the Order was at a slight advantage. Sirius hoped they did not waste it. For the sake of his children, for the memory of his friends.

As the Order members left, Tonks knocked the umbrella stand. Despite looking almost exactly like Andromeda (except for the hair), she inherited none of the grace that the Black sisters embodied. Even his cousin Bellatrix was graceful - she was insane and locked up in Azkaban, but she was aristocratic in demeanour. That set off the portrait. For some reason, and to absolutely piss off Sirius, the portrait of Walburga Black was unable to be removed. The bint permanently stuck herself to the wall, with neither Winky nor Kreacher (not that he tried that hard) able to remove her. The last remaining reminder (besides the Black family tree, which was also unable to be removed but the door was permanently locked) of what used to be. Even in death the bitch haunts me.

Remus closed the curtains covering the portrait and the shrieks were muffled, masking the sound but not the memories. Blood traitors, half-breeds, my useless son. The words almost brought her back to life. Sirius closed his eyes and took a deep breath. He was an adult now. He was no longer the little boy or surly teenager, he was now the head of House Black and he was in charge. He did therapy for this reason. He had control over his reactions, he would not fall apart.

'Are you alright Pads?' Remus asked concern etched on his face. He was tired from the full moon a few nights before, looking more gaunt but somehow Sirius knew that at that moment his werewolf fiancee was stronger than he was. He nodded. He hated this place. He hated the woman that gave birth to him. Euphemia Potter - Merlin, Minerva McGonagall - were more mothers to him than the old crow. I hate this place.

'I know.' Remus murmured, Sirius didn't realise he had said it aloud. He looked at his fiancee again who looked at him with worry. 'It will be okay Pads, you don't belong here anymore. You have a home, with Harry, Hermione and me.' He leant forward and kissed Sirius' forehead tenderly, Sirius closed his eyes at the complete feeling he always felt with Remus. He had missed him so much in Azkaban, he held on to the love for him, even though he had known that the other man thought him a traitor. But now they were together, they were getting married, their life together was back where it needed to be. He pushed out thoughts of what could have been and focused on what was.

'I need better memories of this place, something to replace the bad.' It was something his Healer had suggested. Make new memories. It had begun with small things; muggle London with his family to erase his old memory of hunting down Wormtail, spending lunches with Remus in the Ministry, spending Halloween talking to Harry and Hermione. But Grimmauld Place needed something bigger - not just to make Sirius feel better - but to spite this place.

Something that would make my pureblood mother roll in her grave. Or at least, leave her portrait.

'What did you have in mind?' Remus asked, a glint in his eye revealing that he knew Sirius' true intention and therefore did not hesitate when Sirius kissed him hard, rough. It was not the time for gentle lovemaking that they usually engaged in, especially after the full moon when Remus was more tender. No. It was the time for it to be quick, passionate and loud. He pushed Remus against the wall, the impact making a small sound. He was glad that the Weasleys had gone back to the Burrow. No one was here. They were alone.

Normally Remus was the one in charge, after all, he was the werewolf with a strong mating sense that meant he was naturally more dominant. However, there were times when the roles reversed, this was one of those times. Sirius needed to be in charge, to control something. To feel something other than pain and resentment towards his family and his past. He moved his lips to Remus' neck, touching the mark he gave him years ago while he snaked his hand under his shirt, delighted in Remus' responding growl. He was desired, loved. He grasped Remus' already hard member in his hand.

'Fuck Pads, stop teasing, just fuck me already.' Remus growled and Sirius proceeded to do just that.

Walburga Black would be rolling in her grave if she knew that her heir was fucking a werewolf in her entrance hall. And that's why Sirius did it.

A/N: So here is the first chapter of the long awaited sequel of A Shining in the Shadows (read that first!). I am sorry it took so long (and that this is the only chapter I've written so far) as the end of the year was stressful work-wise and family-wise, but over the summer holiday period I should write more and get back to a regular posting schedule; so this chapter is a little holiday gift!

This fic will have more gaps and feel a little more one-shot like until the end of Deathly Hallows, so if there's anything you want to see, ask and perhaps I will include it! I have ideas bubbling away, just need to get it out! Let me know what you think of this chapter!

Happy Holidays, whatever you celebrate! I hope everyone is staying safe and well! I'll see you all in 2021!

Xx Dani